Hi,
This last Thursday I was out for a walk with my dog. During the walk with my dog played catch with him for about half an hour. He ran like crazy which is not other than the ordinary. I do this on a regular basis in the evenings.

On the way back home I noticed that he began limping. I live only half a mile from the park. By the time I got back home he would hop on 3 legs, avoiding all pressure on the leg.

I took him to the veterinarian the following morning. There I received anti-inflafatory drugs as well as an xray. There was suspicion that it was either a slight sprain or that a rod moved (previosly broke his leg as a puppy). We decided on several days rest and then to reassess.

The rest didn't help. He's still limping severely if placing pressure on his rear right leg at all. We took several X rays and are now sure it's the rods. We're thinking of removing them, if possible. I've attached links to the xray photos.

Has anyone ever dealt with a similar situation?
I'd love any advice I can get.


Eitan and Dark

PS I'm much more stressed than Dark. He has good spirits and doesn't exhibit any pain

links:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/25552971@N03/

Hi Eitan,

http://www.flickr.com/photos/25552971@N03/4559892497/ - is the rod supposed to stick out like this? It looks like those rods are sticking out of the bone on all sides. Or maybe it's ok, I have 0 exp with this. Sorry about Dark, wish him to get well soon.

Hi Eitan,

I would make sure it's a rod that's causing the problems. I have a plate and 6 screws in my arm and they are not supposed to move... even strenuous activity should not shake them... this dog has done bitework right? I wouldn't think that a game of fetch and a walk would dislodge these rods... especially if bone callus has grown.

If I was you, I would try to find the original surgeon and see what he thinks. He would have notes about the original injury.

The rods may be near some nerves as well. My own need to stay in place as they are placed over the radial nerve and I would loose sensation in my arm if the nerves were to be damaged. I would make sure there is NO CHANCE of nerve damage before I did any removal with my own dogs.

Just my 2 cents... good luck with Dark and give him hugs for me.

--Kelly

Hi Eitan,

I don't have experience with dogs, but I do have "hardware" in my foot. I was told (after the surgery) that it might become necessary in the future to remove some of it. It is my understanding that they can work themselves out of place over
time and with use.They are still in place (10 years) but remind me they are there on a nearly daily basis. Regarding the nerve damage Kelly mentioned, I already have some nerve damage from the original fractures, but they didn't say it would be an issue in removal for me. I think that this is a very individual issue and should be treated that way. Just personal experience.